Kosovo: Poisoned by Lead

A Health and Human Rights Crisis in Mitrovica's Roma Camps

I. Summary

Methodology

II. Key Recommendations

III. Chronology of Events

IV. Background

Kosovo's Romani Communities

Lead Contamination Symptoms, Effects, Testing, and Treatment

Applicable Law in Kosovo

Map of the Mitrovica Region

Map of Mitrovica City

V. A Decade of Failure to Assist the Mitrovica Roma

Forced Displacement from Mitrovica

History of Efforts to Find Durable Solutions for Camp Residents

History of Efforts to Provide Medical Treatment for Lead Poisoning

Treatment Compromised without Relocation

VI. Current Conditions in the Camps and the Rebuilt Mahalla

The Camps

The Mahalla

VII. Human Rights Violations

Right to Life

Prohibition on Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

Right to Health

Right to a Healthy Environment

Right to Adequate Housing

VIII. Future Scenarios for Resettlement and Medical Treatment

Return to the Mahalla

Resettlement in the North

Relocation to Third Countries

Medical Treatment

The Need for Leadership

IX. Expanded Recommendations

Acknowledgements